August 2016
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A report, released by the Department of Agriculture and Water resources on 22 August 2016, examines the significant economic value generated by Great Artesian Basin (GAB) water resources.
The report was commissioned by the Australian Government and GAB jurisdictions and prepared by Frontier Economics. It looks at the economic activity of industries reliant on Great Artesian Basin water resources.
The report estimates that water from the Basin underpins at least $12.8 billion in economic activity annually. This includes:
- $4.7 billion in value from livestock production from
- over 14 million beef cattle for meat production, and
- over 11 million sheep and lambs
- Greater than $60 million in value of irrigated agriculture that uses GAB water
The report identifies new or increased water demand from new or expanding industries as a key challenge in effective long-term management of the GAB water resources.
The report was used to inform the GAB Strategic Management Plan and will continue to support the development of policy, programmes, and infrastructure investment across the Basin.